Miracle healer accused of sex abuse by 300+ women hands himself in

Rio de Janeiro: Brazilian police in the central state of Goias say the healer accused of sexually abusing more than 300 women has turned himself in.

Joao Teixeira de Faria, who is known as Joao de Deus or John of God, had until 3pm local time Saturday to comply with an arrest warrant.

More than 300 women have now accused spiritual healer Joao Teixeira de Faria, better known as Joao de Deus or John of God, of sexual abuse.Credit:Agencia Brasil/AP

An agent for the Goias Delegation for Criminal Investigations said earlier that Faria had not surrender by the deadline and had been considered a fugitive.

He handed himself in at around 4:30pm on Sunday local time.

About 40 officers were put on the case, the source also said.

A video published by the Folha de SP, shows Faria handing himself to police in stretch of country road. A reporter travels with him in the police car. Folha reported he said "I hand myself in to Divine justice and to the earth's justice", prior to his arrest.

An arrest warrant was issued on Friday after Faria reportedly moved around $35 million reais ($12 million) out of his bank accounts, Exame magazine reported, raising fears he might have tried to flee the country or attempt to pay witnesses.

Some 335 women have now come forward alleging sexual abuse, including a woman who told a TV program she was one of his daughters.